Court Slams Businessman: Calvin Mathibeli Loses Appeal In Defamation Battle With Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

The Durban High Court has dismissed an application for leave to appeal brought by businessman Calvin Mathibeli in a defamation matter involving KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Judgment was delivered on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, with the court rejecting Mathibeli’s application and ordering him to pay punitive costs.

Court Upholds Order, Calvin Mathibeli to Remove Defamatory Content

Mathibeli had sought to challenge a previous ruling handed down on 27 February 2026, which compelled him to remove all defamatory statements made about Mkhwanazi across social media platforms, websites and other digital channels within 24 hours.

The earlier judgment also barred him from repeating the allegations and ordered him to cover legal costs.

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Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the claims made by Mathibeli amounted to “character-assassinating allegations” that risked damaging both Mkhwanazi’s reputation and that of the police service in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mkhwanazi welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a reminder of the legal consequences of making unverified claims.

“This victory is for law-abiding South Africans who denounce criminality and aspire for a crime-free South Africa. Anyone can be challenged, but defaming a person should not be part of the debate.

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“The law is for us all, and everyone has Constitutional rights which must be respected at all times,” said KZN Police Commissioner.

Ongoing Dispute Rooted in Corruption Allegations

The matter follows a series of public accusations made by Mathibeli against the provincial police commissioner.

The businessman has repeatedly alleged corruption and criminal involvement by Mkhwanazi. In a social media post dated 16 February 2026, a Facebook account bearing the name associated with the chairman of Calvin and Family Group published claims including intimidation, an alleged murder plot, and corruption within the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS.

The post is no longer publicly accessible. At the time, Netshiunda described the claims as “malicious, baseless, unfounded and somewhat threatening.”